Building owners are reminded that new fire regulations came into force on October 1, 2006.

Under the new Fire Safety and Evacuation of Building Regulations 2006 existing buildings that require an approved evacuation scheme, but do not have one, have six months to apply to have a scheme approved.

Deadlines also apply to owners of new buildings.

More information, and application forms, are available on www.fire.org.nz evacuation advice.

Information relating to the changes to the Act and Regulations are available on the Ministry of Internal Affairs website www.dia.govt.nz